What happens when an odd ball cousin comes to live in Granny and Grampy's home? Why a mystery unfolds, of course. Poor Woodrow Prater comes to live with his grandparents after his mother disappears from their home in the hollow and his life completely changes. So does the life of his cousin, Gypsy Arbutus Leemaster.
Gypsy's life is somewhat uncomplicated before Woodrow arrives next door but she has her own problems to deal with. Her step father drives her crazy, her mother won't let her cut her hair and Granny, her piano teacher, wants her to put on a recital. It is all so much to handle while also showing Woodrow the town and helping him get settled at school.
Using these two strong characters, Ruth White weaves a story of cousins who each must deal with disappointments early in their lives. Set in a small Virginia coal town, this story of growing up amid gossip, turmoil and family problems will appeal to tweens of either gender. Each of the main characters is relateable, and the list of issues the two deal with reads like something set in 2010. But just when the reader "knows" how the story will end, Ms. White throws in a surprise ending that adds another dimension to both characters.
Truly an enjoyable story.
Age range: 9 -12
White, R. (1998). Belle Prater's Boy. New York: Yearling.
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